Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. The 2014-15 Marketing Plan noted the challenges of dealing with unforeseen events including natural disasters. My question is to the Minister of ITI.
How does NWT Tourism plan to build tourism in the Deh Cho following last year’s destructive fire season?
Thank you, Mr. Nadli. The Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment, Mr. Ramsay.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We have some fantastic facilities in the Deh Cho and in the Member’s riding. We continue to support those efforts. I know the campground in Fort Providence was highlighted during last summer’s fire season and the bad fire that we had around Fort Providence and the service that the park provided. We have to continue to support the operators and the infrastructure that we have on the ground in the Member’s riding.
The Marketing Plan notes that each region is budgeted to receive $50,000 for advertising initiatives of their choice working with the NWT Tourism marketing director to align with the territorial strategy.
What other NWT tourism plans and strategies support region-directed growth in tourism?
We have our Aboriginal Tourism Marketing Strategy that would certainly look to support efforts in the Member’s riding. We also have Tourism 2020, a new plan that we’ve come up with that is going to earmark money for tourism around the Northwest Territories. We’ve recently received money from CanNor. We also will be looking for additional federal funding as we move forward. Through the EOS, we’re also able to provide more money for tourism, and I think our overall spend on tourism now is near $10 million per year.
How will the NWT components of the Deh Cho Travel Connection be promoted and emphasized?
I didn’t hear the Member’s question. If he could repeat the question, that would be great.
Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. Could you repeat your question, Mr. Nadli?
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. How will the NWT components of the Deh Cho Travel Connection be promoted and emphasized?
My ears are a little bit plugged. I’m not feeling the best, but I thank the Member for repeating the question.
We will continue to work with the region through the Fort Simpson office and also in Hay River on opportunities to promote the Deh Cho Connection. I know MLA Mr. Menicoche has talked about this in efforts to support Highway No. 7 and the tourism route that is the Deh Cho Connection. It is a wonderful opportunity for people to not go back the same way and do a loop through the Northwest Territories. It’s important that it is marketed and it is promoted, and through NWT Tourism that happens, as well, through their regional offices.
Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. Final, short supplementary, Mr. Nadli.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Minister has stated that there will be continued work with the operators. Aside from that, are there any plans within the 2015-16 season to see if campgrounds and tourism facilities within my riding would be enhanced?
I don’t have the capital plan in front of me for this coming year but I believe there is some additional funding for facilities in the Member’s riding, and I can get him that information.
Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. Member for Range Lake, Mr. Dolynny.
